Agents on a Joint Enforcement Agreement patrol in federal waters in the Gulf were finishing a boating safety check on another vessel when they observed a double rigger shrimp vessel throwing a red snapper back into the water. Upon approaching the vessel, agents noticed subjects on the deck of the vessel either fishing or helping others fish recreationally.

Upon inspection of the vessel, agents found an ice chest filled with 104 red snapper fillets and 20 greater amberjack fillets. The men did not possess a commercial permit that is needed to harvest and sell reef fish under federal quotas and in excess of the bag limits.

The recreational red snapper and greater amberjack seasons are currently closed in federal waters. During an open season, the five men would have been allowed a total of 10 red snapper and five greater amberjack. The filets the five men were in possession of represents 52 red snapper and 10 greater amberjack.

The five men will face fines and civil restitution charges through federal court if convicted.